Newcastle’s season looks to be picking up traction after a shaky start with one player eager to improve.
Before Newcastle’s run of good form, they were sat in 12th in the Premier League table and questions were asked about Eddie Howe’s future at the club.
Fast forward two weeks and the Magpies are thriving. Eight goals in two Premier League games have shot them up to eight in the table with the chance of going even higher if they get a win against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
One player who struggled to get back up to speed was Joelinton who had played in every Premier League game this season until his suspension for Newcastle’s win against Ipswich.
Despite a lacklustre start to the season, the Brazilian has expressed his desire to improve to help Newcastle get back to playing European football.
Newcastle United's Joelinton with wounds to his face during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Newcastle United and Brentford at St James'...
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Joelinton wants to improve for the team
The 28-year-old was originally signed as a striker under Steve Bruce but fans will remember his time under previous management wasn’t his best.
Once Howe arrived things started to get better but it wasn’t until a Ciaran Clark red card would fans see how good Joelinton truly was as a midfielder rather than a striker.
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Joelinton recently celebrated 200 Premier League appearances but in an interview on Newcastle’s website, he is eager to get back to his best.
Joelinton was asked about his season and his best position, he said: “I just want to help the team, I know I’m not doing my best yet but I’m trying to get the confidence back from a few seasons ago.
“I know what I have to improve and I’m trying my best to be the best Joey I can be.
“I like to play in the middle and wide but the main thing for me is to support the team, if it’s middle or wide I don’t care. If we win the game I will be happy.”
Joelinton compared to Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali
Despite a slight lapse in form, Joelinton has still been a regular starter in Howe’s sides alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
The midfield three had fans buzzing at the start of the season after their chance to see them more often last season was taken away due to Tonali’s suspension.
Name Appearances Goals Assists Pass completion percentage Tackles per 90
Joelinton 16 2 0 91.2 2.1
Sandro Tonali 15 0 1 89.2 1.2
Bruno Guimaraes 17 1 4 82.9 2.2
Stats from WhoScored
Joelinton does sometimes play as a winger but midfield is now his main position under Howe, there isn’t much to compare the three despite stylistic differences.
Guimaraes is a more comfortable, press-resistant midfielder compared to Joelinton who likes to get stuck in and work hard to win the ball whereas Tonali’s progressive play is perfect for his new role as the deeper midfielder.
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